Policy options for a reduction in odour nuisance

Publisher Summary This chapter presents information on the subject of odor (nuisance), from the viewpoint of policy foundation. It also discusses various policy options. Unpleasant experiences with odors in the environment are a social problem; nasty smells are a nuisance for around 20 percent of the population of the Netherlands. Odor nuisance is therefore an aspect of environmental policy. The perception and appraisal of odors and reactions to them depend on all kinds of different factors that may be personal and restricted to a particular substance such as time and area. Negative experience of odors in the environment as odor nuisance or as nasty smells is described. It may manifest itself in the form of complaints about nasty smells, or in behavioral change and in some cases physical effects, such as loss of appetite, headaches, or shallow breathing. Aromatic substances are emitted into the atmosphere from a variety of sources.